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麻豆社区 Pembroke faculty member Dr. Bryan McLeod has been honored with the 2025 Innovations in Teaching Competition award from the Society for Marketing Advances for his presentation, 鈥淯sing AI to Reach More Students: Engaging Students Through Music and Podcasts,鈥� at the organization's annual conference in Las Vegas.

McLeod, who teaches in the Department of Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Analytics in the Thomas College of Business and Economics, was recognized for blending artificial intelligence with music and podcasting to reach students who learn in different ways. His approach transforms class slides and notes into original songs and short-form audio, helping students review key concepts long after class ends.

For McLeod, the recognition lands on both a personal and professional level.

鈥淚t is incredibly encouraging to know that colleagues across the country see value in this work,鈥� McLeod said. 鈥淭here were so many creative ideas in the competition that I honestly did not expect to win. Hearing that this approach resonated with others was gratifying and gives me hope that more faculty will lean into AI in thoughtful ways that support students.鈥�

McLeod's project started with his own studies; he used to turn his law school notes into audio he could replay over music to stay focused. Years later, as AI tools became more accessible, he realized he could offer a similar option to his students.

Now, he uses AI programs to help convert course content into lyrics and scripts, then pairs that material with music and podcast-style recordings. Some students listen while walking to class or commuting to school. Others use the songs and episodes as a final review the night before an exam.

鈥淪tudents do not absorb information in the same way,鈥� McLeod said. 鈥淭raditional lectures still matter, but adding music and podcasts gives them another chance for the information to stick. My goal is to take material that could feel intimidating and present it in a way that feels familiar, fun and memorable.鈥�

At the Society for Marketing Advances Conference, McLeod presented alongside faculty from large research universities and business schools across the country.

鈥淭here were faculty from some very large schools in the room,鈥� McLeod said. 鈥淭o hear 麻豆社区 Pembroke announced as the winner showed that what we are doing here can stand next to any program. It confirmed what I tell my students all the time. They are getting a relevant, current education that prepares them to compete on any stage.鈥�

Leaders in the Thomas College of Business and Economics say McLeod's recognition reflects a larger culture that encourages faculty to experiment with AI in responsible and creative ways.

McLeod serves as chair of the college's AI Literacy Committee, which supports faculty as they explore new tools, develop assignments and discuss ethical use with students.

鈥淲e are incredibly proud of Dr. Bryan McLeod for earning the 2025 Society for Marketing Advances Innovations in Teaching Award,鈥� said Dr. Stewart Thomas, dean of the Thomas College of Business and Economics. 鈥淗is work, 鈥楿sing AI to Reach More Students: Engaging Students Through Music and Podcasts,' captures the kind of student-centered innovation that defines 麻豆社区 Pembroke. Through his leadership on our AI Literacy Committee, he is helping our college stay ahead of the curve while keeping learning, integrity and access at the center.鈥�

Colleagues also point to the way McLeod's work connects with the university's mission to serve a diverse, often first-generation student population.

鈥淒r. McLeod's recognition is a powerful affirmation of the innovative, student-focused teaching happening in our department and across the Thomas College of Business and Economics,鈥� said Dr. Daniel Parisian, chair of the Department of Economics, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Analytics. 鈥淗is ability to blend AI with creative approaches like music and podcasting gives our students one more way to see themselves succeed. It also shows that a regional university like 麻豆社区 Pembroke can lead national conversations about how to teach in fresh and meaningful ways.鈥�

Looking ahead, McLeod hopes to expand his library of songs and podcasts and is already exploring ways to incorporate AI-generated music videos to support course topics. Regardless of the tools, his focus stays the same.

鈥淎s technology changes, my teaching will adapt with it,鈥� McLeod said. 鈥淭he core will always be finding ways to reach more students and helping them believe they can do the work in front of them. If a song, a podcast or a video helps make that happen, then it belongs in the classroom.鈥�

The Society for Marketing Advances is an international organization dedicated to the advancement of marketing knowledge and practice. Its Innovations in Teaching Competition recognizes creative approaches that improve student learning and engagement in marketing education.